Joliestar has stamped herself as Australia’s premier sprinter, producing a dominant performance to win the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick and set up a potential tilt at Royal Ascot.
In doing so, she became the first horse to complete the Canterbury Stakes–TJ Smith double, a feat that underlines both her class and her progression this preparation.
The Chris Waller-trained mare has long threatened to reach these heights. Wins in the Newmarket Handicap and Kingsford-Smith Cup had hinted at her ability, but this preparation has seen her bring it all together.
“She is mature now, and we have learned how to train her,” Waller said.
“She likes to be that bit fresher, and we don’t have to do too much with her.
“This is her best preparation and is where I thought she could get too, it just takes time.”
Where Joliestar once took time to build into her races, she now travels smoothly and accelerates sharply. That was evident again on Saturday, as she glided across the wet track before James McDonald asked her to go through her gears.
She quickly put the race to bed, with Everest winner Giga Kick giving chase but only able to get within half a length. Skybird was a further neck away in third.
“That is the difference between her this year compared to last year,” Waller said.
“Last year she could pull out a belter but wide draws and luck in running could get her beaten too, but she is a more complete racehorse now.
“I would go to Royal Ascot and bring her back for The Everest – she has just started to mature as a racehorse.”
McDonald was always confident in the run and now believes any doubts about the mare have been put to rest.
“She has had her doubters before, but they have no leg to stand on now, she is a Grand Final winner,” he said.
The victory also completed a Group 1 double for Waller and McDonald, with Campione D’Italia earlier claiming the Sires’ Produce Stakes, capping a big day for the stable at Randwick.
